How much snow does Boise get?
About 17.6 inches in an average year at Boise Airport (1991 to 2020 average). The mountains north of town get much more.
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Winter in the Treasure Valley
Snow, icy roads, inversions and what to do about each
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 20266 sources
In short
Winter in the valley is cold but usually mild by mountain standards: January highs average about 39°F and the airport gets about 17.6 inches of snow in an average year. The daily problems are icy mornings, snow-day commutes and winter that can trap polluted air for days. The Ada County Highway District plows main roads first, and you clear the sidewalk in front of your own home. Studded tires are legal from Oct. 1 to April 30.
- Snowfall
- About 17.6 inches a year at Boise Airport; much more in the mountains
- January
- Average high 38.8°F, low 25.5°F
- Inversion season
- Usually November to February
- Studded tires
- Legal in Idaho from Oct. 1 to April 30
- Road conditions
- Idaho 511 (511.idaho.gov) for cameras and closures
What is winter like in the Treasure Valley?
17.6 inAverage yearly snowfall at Boise Airport
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1991 to 2020 average · NOAA ACIS: Boise daily data~16Days a year that stay at or below freezing all day
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1991 to 2020 average · NOAA ACIS: Boise daily data38.8°FAverage January high (low 25.5°F)
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1991 to 2020 average · NOAA ACIS: Boise daily dataWho clears the snow?
| What | Who handles it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Main roads | Ada County Highway District (ACHD) | Arterials, collectors, major intersections, bridges and overpasses, areas near hospitals and fire stations, school and railroad crossings and steep streets over 6% grade are plowed first. |
| Neighborhood streets | ACHD after main roads; or a contractor hired by residents or a homeowners association | A free snow removal permit from ACHD is required if residents hire their own plow. |
| Sidewalks and the area in front of your home | You, as the adjacent owner or business | Do not push snow into the street, because it can block storm drains and endanger others. |
| Road treatment | ACHD | Magnesium chloride, salt and sand are applied before storms (anti-icing) and during storms (de-icing). |
Rules for roads in Ada County. Canyon County cities and highway districts have their own plans. Source: ACHD: Winter operations
How do I get ready for winter?
- 1
Check conditions before you drive
Look at road conditions and cameras on Idaho 511 before you leave, especially for mountain roads.
- 2
Pack a winter emergency kit
Keep food, water, blankets, warm clothing and kitty litter or sand in the car. Sand or litter can help your tires grip if they spin on ice.
- 3
Decide on studded tires
They are legal from Oct. 1 to April 30, but the Idaho Transportation Department advises against them unless conditions warrant, because they wear bare pavement.
- 4
Give plows room
Keep your distance from snowplows and never pass a plow on the right.
- 5
Clear your sidewalk
Shovel the walk in front of your home and put the snow on your own lawn or driveway, not in the street.
- 6
Plan for inversion days
Check Idaho DEQ's daily air forecast, and know that wood stove and open burning limits apply on DEQ alert days in Ada and Canyon cities.
Winter in the valley: common questions
Do I need snow tires or four-wheel drive?
Valley roads are plowed and treated before and during storms. Mountain roads and steep hills are different, so check Idaho 511 and plan extra time. Studded tires are legal Oct. 1 to April 30, but the state advises against using them unless conditions call for it.
What is an inversion?
A layer of warm air over the valley traps cold air and pollution near the ground, usually between November and February. The air can be unhealthy for sensitive groups for days. See the air quality guide for how to check it.
Where can I ski?
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is the local ski area, north of Boise. Check its website for the season and conditions.
Who plows my street?
In Ada County, ACHD plows main roads first and neighborhood streets after. If your street is private or in a Canyon County city, ask your homeowners association or city.
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Sources (6) · Checked Oct 23, 2026
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